G¶yg¶l: The prestigious National Geographic magazine has prepared a report on the history of winemaking in Azerbaijan, its stages of development, and its current state, APA reports.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the report highlights a hidden wine cellar in G¶yg¶l, a small city in northwestern Azerbaijan, that has come back to life after being buried under rubbish for years. Local youth worker and tour guide Raul Abbaszadeh played a pivotal role in uncovering the cellar, which once belonged to German winemaker Christoff Vohrer. The discovery has transformed the forgotten site into a wine-tasting hall, offering a glimpse into Azerbaijan’s commercial winemaking origins.
The story traces the roots of Azerbaijani winemaking back to 1819, when families from the Kingdom of Wrttemberg, now Baden-Wrttemberg, settled in the region. These German settlers established the foundation for Azerbaijan’s wine industry, planting vineyards and producing wine at home. The first commercial winery, G¶yg¶l Wine Plant, was founded by the Vohrer family in 1860, and it played a significant role in shaping the country’s wine heritage.
The evolution of Azerbaijan’s wine industry is marked by periods of both prosperity and decline. During the Soviet era, Mikhail Gorbachev’s anti-alcohol campaign led to the industry’s downfall, but a revival began in the 2000s. Today, G¶yg¶l is recognized as the cradle of industrial winemaking in Azerbaijan, with vintners like Aziz Gasimov continuing the tradition initiated by German colonists.
The report also emphasizes the unique blend of German and Azerbaijani influences in G¶yg¶l. While the city retains its Azerbaijani charm, it also showcases its Germanic heritage through architectural landmarks like St. John’s Church and the former home of Viktor Klein, the last German citizen of G¶yg¶l. The legacy of German craftsmanship is evident in the cooper’s tools and barrels used for wine storage.
Azerbaijan’s wine industry is poised for growth, with ideal grape-growing conditions in regions like the Ganja-Gazakh area. Indigenous grape varieties, such as madrasa and bayanshira, thrive alongside European imports. As the world discovers Azerbaijan’s winemaking potential, the country’s rich history and vibrant flavors are set to captivate oenophiles worldwide.